Governor: Vicky Hardwick, Link Governor for PE
Staff: Mr Mike Thompson, Head of PE
Aims of Visit:
1. Update Link governor on changes and achievements in PE Department over the last year
2. Understand current challenges in PE Department
3. Consider department SEF, including 2025 external exam results and PE department plans to continue to raise standards
4. Consider Safeguarding in the PE Department
Staffing and Facilities
Staffing within the department remains stable, with colleagues continuing to contribute both to PE and to wider pastoral responsibilities across the school.
The sports hall has been redecorated, enhancing the learning environment, and further improvements to indoor facilities are planned. The new 3G pitch has also expanded opportunities for both curriculum and extracurricular sport.
Participation and Enrichment
Participation in extracurricular sport remains high. Lunchtime football tournaments for Years 9–11 have been particularly successful, attracting strong levels of both participation and student support.
The department continues to celebrate competitive success across a range of sports, including football and rugby at district, county and national levels.
The biennial Sports Tour to Valkenburg was extremely well attended and provided students with valuable opportunities for training, fixtures and personal development. The tour was very successful and reflected positively on students’ commitment and conduct.
To broaden engagement, additional indoor activities such as snooker, pool and darts have been introduced. These have proven popular, particularly during poor weather and when indoor space is limited. Plans are in place to further develop a dedicated space for these activities.
Student Outcomes and Development Priorities
A Level and GCSE results in 2025 were slightly lower than the previous year. Analysis indicates that students performed more strongly in coursework components than in examinations.
In response, the department is focusing on:
1. Strengthening students’ understanding of key terminology and definitions
2. Increasing structured practice of extended examination questions
3. Refining teaching approaches to improve performance in exam-based assessment
These targeted strategies aim to secure improved attainment in future examination series.
Ongoing Considerations
The department continues to manage the challenge of limited indoor space during examination periods and poor weather. Creative solutions, including the use of alternative activities and the all-weather pitch, are supporting continued curriculum delivery.
Overall, the visit recognised a department with high participation rates, strong extracurricular provision and clear, focused plans for continued improvement in academic outcomes.